A Whimsical, Autumnal Wedding at CJ's Off the Square in Franklin, Tennessee

Ashley Hall (23 and an NICU nurse) and Sean Smithgall (26 and a pharmacist) planned an intimate garden wedding with an autumnal twist at CJ’s Off the Square in Franklin, Tenn. Instead of the expected fall color palette of red, orange and yellow hues, Ashley and Sean filled the cozy garden outdoor space with shades of purple, lavender, peach, pink and classic white hues to set an elegant, feminine tone. It was the addition of gold and white pumpkins along the aisles and in the centerpieces that gave the decor a decidedly autumnal feel.

The day began with a ceremony in CJ’s lush private garden. A string trio set a romantic tone for the affair and a whimsical arrangement of curly willow, garden roses, stock and hydrangeas in soft purple and pink hues framing the quaint white gazebo where the couple exchanged vows played up the beautiful natural setting. The aisle decor fused romantic and fall-inspired styles with pastel rose petals running the length of the aisle and vintage-inspired lanterns and pumpkins placed at the end of each row.

After saying “I do,” Ashley and Sean invited their families and friends to join them in the open-air pavilion for dinner and dancing. The couple carried the cheerful purple and peach color palette over to the reception through bright table linens, sprigs of fresh lavender and unique arrangements of full garden blooms displayed in crystal chalices. Details like gilded pumpkin place cards and branch-like structures boasting floating glass orbs tied in the autumnal theme, while adding a note of whimsy to the decor. The newlyweds went for a rustic chic appeal when it came to their sweetheart table, styling a wooden farm table with a lace table runner, twinkling mercury glass, silvery mercury glass and French country chairs. “We had bistro lights hanging in the pavilion that were gorgeous and lots of candles for a romantic feel,” says Ashley. Guests nibbled on tasty bites like Thanksgiving turkey sliders and mini twice-baked potatoes and enjoyed peach sangria and whiskey sour signature cocktails during cocktail hour. Premier DJs of Nashville took over after dinner and kept the dance floor packed until the wee hours.